The schedule increase is a boost to the originally announced three times weekly service between Queensland and China that was due to launch in November 2016.

Julieanne Alroe, BAC CEO and Managing Director, applauded China Eastern for its commitment to Queensland which will provide a convenient, direct connection to China’s largest city and one of the world’s financial hubs.

“Connecting China’s busiest international hub with Queensland’s biggest international airport is a significant step for the city and state in positioning Brisbane as a major Asia Pacific centre.

“These new services are a huge victory for the whole of Queensland and every sector of our economy, from business and commerce to tourism, trade, education and beyond,” Ms Alroe said.

The Chinese visitor market, which is the second largest for Brisbane Airport, has experienced 23 per cent growth in the last 12 months.

“Importantly, as China’s second largest airline, China Eastern offers a premium full service product trusted by high yielding Chinese business and leisure travellers who now spend $1.2 trillion globally on tourism.

“Regular direct flights into Brisbane will help capture a portion of this substantial and important market and direct visitors to some of Queensland’s most desirable tourist destinations via the most comprehensive regional network of any airport in Australia,” Ms Alroe said.